How to Fix a Chain Brake on a Husqvarna

Written by eric blankenburg

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A crucial piece of safety equipment, the chain brake will save your legs in the event that you fall or slip during cutting. The brake contains a band that wraps around the clutch. The band attaches to a spring and lever, which in turn attaches to the front hand guard. When you push the guard forward the band immediately tightens around the clutch, stopping it almost instantly. After a few years this band can wear out and the spring can get damaged, necessitating repair.

Skill level:

Easy

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Things you need

Combination spanner wrench

Deep set socket wrench

Clutch tool

Wrench

Screwdriver

Multipurpose engine grease

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Instructions

1

Pull back on the front hand guard to disengage the brake. Loosen the clutch cover retaining nuts with the spanner wrench; withdraw the clutch cover from the saw. Use the deep set socket wrench to remove the spark plug. Pull out four to five inches of starter rope. Thread the rope slowly into the spark plug hole.

2

Turn clutch clockwise until it stops moving. Overlay the clutch tool onto the clutch. Set the wrench around the clutch tool, turning the handle clockwise to loosen the clutch assembly. Pull the cupped washer, clutch assembly, rim sprocket, clutch drum and thrust washer from the crankshaft stub.

3

Push the hand guard forward to re-engage the brake. Undo the front hand guard's two bolts, one on either side of the engine. Unscrew the chain guide plate next to the bar posts. Unscrew the four bolts, which hold the brake cover in place. Remove the brake cover.

4

Press the brake lever's retaining bush and pull off the lever arm. Insert the tip of the screwdriver underneath the end of the tension spring. Place your hand over to prevent its sudden springing, while slowly drawing the spring from the saw. Lift out the toggle joint and connected brake strap.

5

Measure the brake's thickness to ensure it is at least .08 millimetres. Check the spring's tips to make sure they aren't bent. Inspect the spring to ensure it still has tension. Check the function of the toggle joint, lever arm and bushing. Worn parts should be replaced.

6

Install parts in reverse order: Fit the toggle joint and connected brake band. Grease the toggle joint's moving parts. Grease and press down the lever arm. Grease the retaining bush and push it onto the lever arm. Fit the brake assembly cover and tighten the screws. Tighten down the chain guide plate. Fit the hand guard and tighten its bolts. Disengage the brake and reinstall clutch parts, bar, chain and clutch cover.